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When Does Something Become Classic?


laird387
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An intriguing query - and one, I suspect, where the answers depend entirely upon a personal point of view.  But in my opinion events from more than a quarter of a century ago - already 'vintage' by definition - are classic.

 

Why does it matter?  Because in the next issue of our digital magazine we are including a photoretrospective by Barry Robinson of the British round of the 1988 World Trials Championship series organised by the Wetherby club.

 

The feature includes a series of photographs such as the one attached of Luis Gallach on his Montesa - although in the magazine, of course, we are not troubled by interfering watermarks.

 

Enjoy

post-19290-0-46069000-1477579180_thumb.jpg

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When does something become a "classic"

To me its a combination of technological or style change, and time.

Which means some things become "classic" before others, e.g. a Ferrari Vs a Fiat. One makes it by rarity and style, the other by surviving (definite simplification here).

The time component is for us to forget all the bad bits, and remember the good. The sooner the period becomes "classic" the better it truly was.

This probable doesn't help, sorry

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Hi Guys.

 

Deryk,

 

A true "Classic" to me and an unsung Icon over the years since its introduction in the early eighties  is the  late Harry Foster built "Otter".

 

Now this Iconic frame set as been copied by several companies since, and by individuals like me, and I have tried to encourage people to build these frames, and a good job a lot of them have made.

 

But it is not until I now own a genuine "Foster BSA "Otter" that I and others that have lived with my collection of copies, for years, realise that the real thing just stands out from the rest by miles.

 

And this is what a True "Classic" should do.  Stand out against the rest. Don't you think?

 

Regards Charlie.~Oo>

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We have the 30 year rule, a bike older then 30 years can be insured and road registered as an oldtimer,

which is much cheaper and oldtimers can also be used in areas which are environment protected.

That makes no sense. you can use a pre 65 with its oil leaks but not a 4rt ?

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Off course it makes sense. The general question was when are events bikes classic or vintage.

Answers given and I think as this rule applies not only to motorcycles of all kind and even to cars of all kind and any events where the participate; mission accomplished.

The same rule of thumb I would give to reviews to events of the past.

And of course there are great events that occurred earlier and when they where famos or interesting back then; I would like to read about them too as for vehicles btw.

(made my posting on a trip from while sitting in a train and had as usual the wrong spelling correction app on, I hope all spelling mismatch now corrected ...)

Edited by pschrauber
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I think some bikes are instant classics,in the trials world I remember seeing Steve Saunders riding his works RTL 250 Honda in the Bath Knut trial back in 1986.The look and sound of that bike and the way that Steve found grip where there was NONE, will stay in my memory forever.It also made me feel like giving up ! How could I ever get within light years of his talent ?

At the same time,or just before the Yamaha TY mono was making a change in trials all over the world,there was no going back.It was never a bike to look at like the RTL, but it was so effective riders bought them in droves,and enjoyed their ability and reliabilty. So the TY in years to come will become a classic,having earned its reputation via hard work.(Chasing dairy cows after their life in trials for many of them) The RTL still has that respect from enthusiasts,the sight of one being ridden demands an instant audience.

Thats how I see it anyway,just two bikes from back when I started competing in the mid 80's. I have owned both bikes, the Ty was the one to ride,the Honda looked good in the workshop.I'd happily have both back along with the Mike Hailwood Ducati I had - again an instant classic in my opinion.With bikes as a hobby we are very lucky in that there is something for all of us,even if we don't all agree about them. 

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As soon as it came out of Thundersley...........

 

Hi spen,

 

I know what you mean - but I think there were exceptions - like the model that I have depicted, actually the development bike that started the whole two-wheel era of the 'Invacar' empire................

 

This is just one of the aspects of the fully illustrated Greeves story which is available in our digital magazine (without the irritating watermarks) - along with the histories of their competitors at Francis-Barnett, Cotton, Saracen and, in the next few issues, the story of the DOT, starting from a three-wheeled delivery float!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Enjoy

post-19290-0-34146300-1477811692_thumb.jpg

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Hi Jon,

 

"I think some bikes are instant classics, in the trials world I remember seeing Steve Saunders riding his works RTL 250 Honda in the Bath Knut trial back in 1986. The look and sound of that bike and the way that Steve found grip where there was NONE, will stay in my memory forever. It also made me feel like giving up! How could I ever get within light years of his talent?"

 

Not long to wait now for a treat in store - 'cos in issue 49 in the feature on the 1986 World Championship round hosted by Wetherby there are three different views of Steve on the Honda - along with all the other stars in the fully illustrated feature - but here's an appetiser to help reduce the wait................

 

Enjoy!

post-19290-0-93973100-1477812638_thumb.jpg

Edited by laird387
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Hi Jon et al,

 

If you enjoy images of the 1986 Honda RTL, then our digital magazine is your next stop!  Here is a 1986 Scott Trial image which will be included, with many others in our serialised feature on this premier of all trials.

 

Enjoy.

post-19290-0-36638200-1477817461_thumb.jpg

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